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Global Semicolon Tattoo Trend Is A Sign Of Strength Among Faithful Individuals Dealing With Mental Health Problems

The Real Significance Behind The Semicolon Tattoo Trend
Carly Steyer
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Ever wondered what the story is behind someone's tattoo?

Some have more significance than others, but the meaning behind the recent trend of semicolon tattoos is ever-important and heartfelt.

The trend of semicolon tattoos was started by Project Semicolon, which describes itself as "a faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury." As to the significance of the symbol itself, the organization writes on its website, "a semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life;" thus, in the case of these tattoos, it is a physical representation of personal strength in the face of internal struggle.

Though a Christian organization, Project Semicolon is quick to clarify that they do not exclude those who follow any other beliefs or religions. Founder Amy Bleuel got a semicolon tattoo in honor of her father, who lost his life to suicide when Amy was 18.

Now, two years after the movement formally began, the tattoos are popping up all over the place.

In a blog post, Bleuel says that her father's death "brought more pain to [her] life than anything [she] had ever experienced." In light of her own struggles, those of her father, and the tremendous pain she felt as a family member of someone who took his own life, Amy set out to provide support and guidance to others dealing with similar issues.

The movement meant enough to Heather Parrie that she got a semicolon tattooed on her forearm, and wrote a blog post about her own personal struggles with mental wellness.

In the post, Heather explains her diagnosis of "depression and anxiety," and describes having to leave a job she loved because her mental health problems inhibited her work performance. Still fighting these battles, but continuing on each day, Heather writes:

I will show my tattoo proudly and champion for the people who cannot champion for themselves. Every day that I say no to the dark thoughts depression tries to tangle my mind with, I am winning a battle that society has not made easy to win.

Today, the movement continues to grow and will hopefully continue to raise awareness about these issues.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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Before You Go

Common Mental Health Myths
You Are Not Sick (01 of11)
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MYTH: Bipolar disorder just means mood swingsFACT: Bipolar disorder is an illness with severe mood swings. Often, bipolar can interfere with one’s daily functioning, and sometimes can even lead to suicide, according to Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. (credit:Gettystock )
Am I Cured?(02 of11)
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MYTH: Once you feel better you can stop taking your medicationFACT: Almost all patients with psychiatric illness need maintenance treatment for a while, even if they start "feeling better." Masand says this is to prevent relapses and recurrences, similar to diabetes and heart disease patients. (credit:Gettystock Gettystock )
Your Relationship Is To Blame(03 of11)
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MYTH: Psychiatric illness is a result of bad relationshipsFACT: All psychiatric illnesses have a genetic component and an environmental component, Masand says. A bad relationship, for example, is only one of several factors. (credit:Gettystock )
You Can't Handle It (04 of11)
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MYTH: Psychiatric illnesses are due to weak character or inadequate coping skillsFACT: Psychiatric illnesses are medical illnesses with several origins like all other illnesses, Masand says. Just because you cry easily or can't cope with personal problems, it doesn't make you weak or more likely to be mentally ill. (credit:Gettystock )
It Will Go Away (05 of11)
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MYTH: Depression is just sadness that will go awayFACT: Depression is a serious medical illness with morbidity and mortality, Masand says. Not all people show obvious signs of being depressed either. While some seek medication or go to therapy to cope, Masand says others try exercise, yoga or meditation. On the flip side, if someone is often sad or emotional, it doesn't necessarily mean they are depressed. (credit:Gettystock )
You Won't Have A 'Normal' Life (06 of11)
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MYTH: Once you have depression or bipolar disorder, you will never achieve your full potential or live a 'normal' life FACT: Some of the most successful people in various fields have had depression or bipolar disorder, including Isaac Newton, Beethoven, Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey, Masand says. People who go through a mental illness may also feel they can't ever get back to a "normal life." This is another myth. Someone with a mental illness can still function, go to work, raise a family or perform any other task. (credit:Gettystock )
Suicide Isn't Really A Big Problem(07 of11)
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MYTH: Suicide is not a big problem in our societyFACT: You may not know someone who has committed suicide, but this doesn't mean it doesn't happen. In 2009, for example, suicide accounted for 3,890 deaths in Canada among both genders, and according to Statistics Canada, mental illness is the most important risk factor. In the U.S., Masand says suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in 2007. (credit:Gettystock )
If You Seek Help, You Are Weak (08 of11)
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MYTH: Treatment for psychiatric illness is a cop-out for weak peopleFACT: Treatment is necessary for psychiatric illnesses like it is for other medical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, Masand says. This myth is also commonly believed because finding help or telling people close to you about your illnesses can also lead to shaming and embarrassment. (credit:Gettystock )
They Are Just 'Crazy'(09 of11)
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MYTH: All patients with schizophrenia are dangerousFACT: If you've ever seen schizophrenia or mental health portrayed in mainstream media, you might just think everyone who is mentally ill is "crazy." Only a small proportion of patients with schizophrenia can be violent and this is usually because they are untreated, Masand says. (credit:Gettystock )
Just Get Over It (10 of11)
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MYTH: Talk therapy is just whining FACT: Several types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be just as effective as medication in treating depression and anxiety disorders. (credit:Gettystock )
Blame ADHD (11 of11)
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MYTH: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a new way to explain bad behaviourFACT: ADHD is a psychiatric illness with a well-described constellation of symptoms and proven treatments. And while common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention or procrastination, people may also self-diagnose their children with ADHD because of bad behaviour, according to SheKnows.com (credit:Gettystock )
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